Union Square (San Francisco)

Union Square can be best described as the beating heart of downtown San Francisco. It is located close to Chinatown and the historic French Quarter and it makes a good starting point for a walking tour of the city or for exploring elsewhere on public transport. It is a charming paved plaza dotted with statues honouring Union troops during the American Civil War from where it gets its name. However, on weekend breaks in San Francisco you will see seemingly thousands of shoppers jostling for space in its myriad designer shops and department stores. Right on the square you will find flagship emporia such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue and everything a serious shopper could possibly need is just a short hop away.

 

You could easily spend hours browsing a plethora of elegant boutiques, art shops and famous fashion labels along its surrounding streets but save time for a little art and culture too. On short breaks in San Francisco, you can also explore a vibrant art scene on adjacent Geary and Sutter Streets. There are many galleries displaying original works by modern masters such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol and the Xanadu Gallery on Maiden Lane is notable for its breath-taking Frank Lloyd Wright designed architecture. Union Square is also the heart of San Francisco’s burgeoning theatre scene. The famous Geary Theatre is an elaborate art deco structure that showcases Shakespeare and the classics, or for a foot stomping Broadway musical extravaganza, head to the nearby Curran Theatre.

 

Union Square has traditionally been the setting for public and political rallies, celebrations and city wide events and you can pretty guarantee a carnival atmosphere on the fourth of July or during the festive season. Celebrating New Year in San Francisco is typically raucous and chaotic at Union square. There is an animated bar scene along its adjacent streets and with the French Quarter and Chinatown so close, dining out is a real gastronomic delight.